AN 18-year-old girl who had been to a party in Hoddlesden climbed into the driver's seat and sped off after a row with the taxi driver who was taking her and her friends home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Victoria Myerscough left the taxi driver and one of her friends stood at the roadside.

But within seconds she had crashed into a hedge, damaging the vehicle and causing injuries to another friend who was still in the back.

Myerscough, of Neville Close, Bolton, pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent aggravated by damage caused, driving with excess alcohol and without insurance. She was sentenced to 90 days in prison suspended for 12 months, banned for two years and fined £100 with £65 costs.

Clare Knight, defending, said the offence was out of character. She had been to a party and drunk more than she was used to.